NEW YORK (CBS SPORTS) - In cooperation with all 30 baseball teams, MLB has announced that it will host private screenings of the film “42” for teenagers in their respective communities across the Unites States and Canada.

“’42’ brilliantly depicts not only the proudest and most powerful event in baseball history, but also a watershed moment in American history and the Civil Rights Movement,” said commissioner Bud Selig in a statement. “This film is a profound way for all of us throughout Major League Baseball to educate our next generation about Jackie Robinson’s vital impact on our nation.”

Taking kids from grades 8-12 to see a movie about Jackie Robinson is a great way for MLB to generate some interest in the sport. Kids love free stuff and movies have a way of leaving an impression.

“42” banked $27.2 million in its opening weekend, winning the weekend box office and setting a new opening weekend record for baseball movies. The film has banked $54.1 million so far.